Kinesiotaping

The cooler weather of autumn not only indicates a change in seasons but also a change in our outdoor activities. Sports leagues resume, the occasional pick-up game of football may be seen, and leaves need to be raked.  All of these repetitive activities can take their toll on our bodies if we are not properly conditioned or are returning from a previous injury.  Thanks to US gold medalist Kerri Walsh, a relatively unknown tape has surfaced in to the mainstream.   

The tape called Kinesio tape was developed over 25yrs ago to improve stability and promote normal movement without limiting motion.  Kinesio tape is a versatile and durable, self-adhesive elastic tape that can be used for many purposes including (1) improving muscle firing (2) relaxing muscle spasm and/or (3) improving circulation.  When used in conjunction with rehabilitation, kinesio taping can assist in the recovery of injuries.  The stretch of the tape either assists or relaxes specific muscles to improve body movement.  For example, Kerri Walsh used a shoulder taping to improve stability following shoulder surgery by facilitating the rotator cuff muscles.  After acute injuries such as ankle sprains, whiplash, and muscle strains, Kinesio tape “lifts” the skin and may improve lymphatic circulation and reduce swelling. 

Kinesio tape contains no medication and is approximately the thickness and weight of the outer layer of your skin, so it is very comfortable to wear. It was designed to “breathe” and allow for the evaporation of sweat, which decreases risk of blistering as in athletic tape.  This also allows the tape to get wet and last for approx 3 days, much longer than traditional athletic tape.  Even swimmers are able to use the tape while competing. 

Athletes are beginning to use kinesio tape to prevent injuries.  Muscle strength imbalances in athletes that complete repetitive tasks such as throwing, cycling, and running can lead to overuse injury.  Kinesio taping may assist proper muscle firing and reduce injury.   It has been used by cyclists, soccer players, swimmers, volleyball players for that purpose.  (Dr. Franks) 

Kinesio taping requires special training to apply properly and gain maximal benefit and should only be applied by a Certified Kinesio Taping Specialist.